Historical Impact
The study of cancer disparities is critical in a historical context because it highlights the persistence and systemic nature of health inequalities that have long been ingrained in the fabric of society. By studying historical milestones and policies that affect access to care and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups, we can better understand the root causes of these disparities and work toward more equitable health solutions.
Slavery & Segregation
The abolition of slavery in 1865 and the era of segregation that followed laid the groundwork for unequal access to health care. As a result of institutionalized segregation, some ethnic groups have lower access to health care than whites. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to desegregation, but the law's implementation in health care has been slow and patchy, leaving many minorities without adequate access to care.
Recent Policy Initatives
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 marked an important step toward reducing health disparities by expanding access to health care for millions of Americans, including minorities. However, there are still huge health disparities in minority communities and the underlying problems remain unaddressed.
Acknowledge Health Disparities
The 1985 Heckler Report was a pivotal moment in recognizing and documenting the extent of health disparities among minority populations. The report highlights wide disparities in mortality and morbidity, including cancer, among racial and ethnic groups, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions.
Inequality Persists
The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly revealed the persistent health inequalities faced by minority groups, who have much higher rates of infection, serious illness and death than white people. The crisis has refocused attention on the social determinants of health, such as income inequality, education, housing, and environmental factors that lead to different lifestyle habits and medical conditions, all of which contribute to differences in cancer outcomes. Even till this day, gender, social-economical status, ethnic groups and many other factors are still connected to disparities in medical care.
Addressing health disparities is not only a public health issue, it is also a social justice issue. By placing cancer disparities in a historical framework, we can raise public awareness of the long-term nature of these problems and the importance of ongoing efforts to address them.